2016 Intentions

Last year I set “intentions” instead of “resolutions” for 2015. I wasn’t as good at checking in on these intentions as I should have been. I decided to put my intentions in writing for this year and be more diligent at checking my progress throughout the year. So here are my intentions for 2016:

#Believe…I had this same intention last year and made some serious progress, but I still have lots of room for even more progress. I have #BigDreams! The only way to achieve these dreams is to believe in myself, my training and my abilities on race day. A sub 13 hour race at Ironman Wisconsin on September 11, 2016 would get me a bit closer to achieving those big dreams, so I will be focusing on action and execution during 2016. After all…

Break down barriers…I had this intention last year as well and am carrying this intention with me into 2016. Why??? Because it is time to get more women in endurance sport, whether that is triathlon, swimming, running, cycling, or even cross country skiing!! Why endurance sport?!?!?!? It is fun, it is rewarding and it allows me to challenge myself in a way that nothing else can. I would love to share those experiences and my passion for endurance sport with other women in 2016!! In 2016 I will be starting a women’s only cycling group in Ames, where we will meet once a week to ride, learn and have fun!! If you are in this area and want to join us, please let me know!!

Be present…I also had this intention last year and continue to struggle with it, so I am taking it with me into 2016. I always find myself thinking about what is next instead of focusing on the here and now. I need to slow down, find time to laugh (out loud) every day, enjoy every moment and be present.

Find Balance…I do a fairly good job of balancing work, home and training, but I definitely need to incorporate more balance, especially with the emotions I direct at myself…less stress, more fun, less anxiety, more joy, less anger, more happiness, less destruction, more self confidence, less negativity, more positivity!! This intention will probably be the one I struggle with the most and will take some serious focus and reflection throughout the year to make progress.

As with any intentions that we set, it is important to remember that baby steps will make the most difference and allow long term change and success. With these intentions, I gladly welcome 2016 and the fresh start 🙂 Cheers to 2016!!

Those are great intentions! I’ve stolen a copy the quote in #3. I’m very excited for 2016 😀 My intentions are to keep it realistic and fun. It sounds pretty lame to say my A race will only be a sprint, but I must plan my training around the schedules of three busy boys. My first priority is my family-fitness MUST work around that, be a level that I can maintain, and not be stressed out by. It’s going to be a good year. A very good year.

Thanks Amy! I’m glad you’ve “stolen” the quote! There is nothing wrong with your “A” race being a sprint!! We all start somewhere 😉 Family definitely should be a priority as should keeping it healthy and stress free!! 2016 will be an amazing year!!

I love this! So wish I was there to join the ladies’ cycling group – that sounds like so much fun. These are such great mantras for the year…I’m adding one more to my list: #PeaceMode from my friend (a triathlete & coach). It’s about finding calm in our hustle, as well as our happy places. I feel like I’ve been push-push-pushing for the past few years, and in order to achieve some breakthroughs in 2016, a little tweak to the mindset might help!

That is so cool that you are planning on starting a women’s cycling group. I wish I could join you. I would love to do something like this around Bend. I think the one barrier holding me back would be time/scheduling. It seems like everyone is always on a different schedule and it’s hard to get a large group together. Maybe weekends?

My intention for 2016 is to not take myself to seriously. I tend to train very competitively and have a serious manner toward endurance sport. I would love to let loose a little more – especially now that I have a baby – and expect the unexpected. This is a huge one for me. ☺

Awesome intentions!!! Setting them and sharing them will help you success!! Starting a women cycling ride is so fun!! Can’t wait to hear more about it!!
I’m shooting for a 12:30 at Wisconsin!! It is a big bad scary goal but I am excited to shoot for the stars!!